Early morning arrival in Addis Ababa. Then departure for an interesting city tour through the capital of Ethiopia. At the National Museum, we visit Lucy, who at 3.2 million years old is probably one of our oldest ancestors. From the Entoto Mountains we have a far-reaching view of the vibrant metropolis. (F,M,A)

Monarch Hotel

Bus travel time 1 h

In the morning we leave Addis Ababa and reach a small forest just outside the capital. Here in Menagesha we have different options for easy or slightly more difficult rides, we are flexible depending on your interest, but usually it is a 4 hour ride with about 20 km and 700-800 meters of elevation gain (which can be shortened). It is also the first ride to help you get confidence with the bike and the altitude in Ethiopia. After lunch, we will be transferred from here about 140 km to Wolisso, where we will check into our rooms at a resort with a swimming pool, spa and a large garden full of monkeys. (F,M,A)

Negash Resort

Cycle route 21 km, 750 m elevation gain, level of difficulty: medium

Travel time bus 4 h, 140 km

The first part of the tour takes you along the Wenchi Crater rim, with gentle paths on volcanic ash and beautiful views into the crater. An exciting descent through Oromo villages and farmland brings you to Wolisso, where you will spend the night in the green gardens of the Negash Resort. Depending on local conditions (construction work is underway in 2025), the route may be changed without altering the character of the ride. (F,M,A)

Negash Resort

Cycle route 43 km, 500 m elevation gain, level of difficulty: medium

Travel time bus 1 h, 40 km

After breakfast at the resort, we leave the Oromia region by car and make our way to the Gurage zone, which is one of the greenest areas in Ethiopia. Muslims and Christians live together peacefully here and follow centuries-old traditions. Our first cycle tour in this region takes us from Wolkite University to our lodge, which we will use for the next two days: Desalegn Lodge in Agenna. (F,M,A)

Desalegn Lodge

Cycle route 31 km, 550 m elevation gain, level of difficulty: moderate

Travel time by bus 1.5 h, 60 km

A challenging but rewarding and very scenic day trip through the unique Gurage landscape awaits us. The beauty of the landscape is matched by the warmth and hospitality of the local people. On this tour you will also have the opportunity to visit the homes of these people, whose only complaint on our previous visits was: “Why didn't you tell us in advance so we could prepare a ceremony for you?”. Gurage is also famous for some of the unique and special Ethiopian dishes such as kitfo or kocho. (F,M,A)

Desalegn Lodge

Cycle route 43 km, 800 m elevation gain, level of difficulty: difficult

After breakfast, we check out of the lodge and make our way to one of the highest ridges in Gurage. You can cycle part of the route on partially asphalted roads before the highlight of the day: We bid farewell to Gurage with a rapid descent from 3350 to 2050 meters above sea level. This breathtaking descent into the Great African Rift Valley will be one of the highlights of your vacation. After lunch near Butajira or Ziway, we drive back to Hawassa (3-4 hours), where we check into a lodge directly on the lake. (F,M,A)

Haile Resort

Cycle route 30 km, 400 m elevation gain, level of difficulty: moderate

Travel time by bus 3.5-4 h, 170 km

We set off from the lodge by bike (or alternatively by car) and cycle halfway around the lake to the south before climbing steeply up to the Sidama plateau. Here we find great paths between the enset plantations on red gravel roads as we set off to explore the green area. We stop for a packed lunch or at a simple restaurant and have a tea or coffee on the spot. We drive to the southern part of Senkele Wildlife Sanctuary before heading back to the lakeshore on exciting trails. Pick up by car or bike to the lodge. (F,M,A)

Haile Resort

Cycle route 68 km, 900 m elevation gain, level of difficulty: difficult

Travel time bus 0.5 h, 25 km

After a 45-minute transfer to the east, we unload the bikes and explore the highlands around Wondo Genet. First we ride 600-700m uphill on a bumpy road, then we ride downhill on the plateau with small ascents and descents to Wondo Genet, which has been known as a vacation resort since the times of Haile Selassie. We will also take a dip in the hot springs there. We load up the bikes and ride back to Lake Hawassa, where we can take a sunset boat trip. (F,M,A)

Haile Resort

Cycle route 30 km, 850 m elevation gain, level of difficulty: moderate

Travel time bus 2 h, 60 km

In the morning we have a transfer of about 4.5 hours. We unload the bikes in Dinsho and ride on a dirt road into the Bale Mountains National Park. Our destination is the Habera waterfall, which lies at an altitude of almost 3,500 meters. If possible, we will take a slightly different road on the way back to the headquarters of the Bale Mountains National Pak, where there is some wildlife to see such as nyala antelope, warthogs and dikdiks. If time permits, we can walk part of the way to our hotel on a paved road. (F,M,A)

Wabe Shebelle

Cycle route 29 km, 600 m elevation gain, level of difficulty: moderate

Travel time by bus 4.5 h, 180 km

Today we reach the highest point of the entire trip, which is well over 4,000 m above sea level. To avoid the long climb to the so-called Sanetti Plateau, we will load up the bikes again. In addition to cycling, we will also be able to observe the Ethiopian wolf and some other wild animals on the Sanetti Plateau. Those who wish can climb Tullu Dimtu, at 4,377m the highest peak in the Bale Mountains. A long and beautiful descent of almost 2000m then brings us back to Goba. (F,M,A)

Wabe Shebelle

Cycle route 45 km, 600 m elevation gain, level of difficulty: easy

Travel time by bus 1.5 h, 35 km

Today is our last day on the bike and we take it easy. We cycle into the Abjatta Shalla National Park and hope to see some wildlife such as flamingos, warthogs and ostriches. We will also visit some hot springs where the locals wash and cook their food. In the afternoon, after returning to the lodge, we relax at Lake Langano, which is one of the few lakes in Ethiopia that is suitable for swimming. (F,M,A)

Sabana Beach Resort

Cycle route 18 km, 200 m elevation gain, level of difficulty: moderate

Travel time bus 0.5 h, 20 km

After some pleasant moments at the lake, today's drive takes us back to Addis Ababa, where your return flight is scheduled to depart late in the evening. If there is enough time before your departure, we will visit a market or store in Addis Ababa to buy souvenirs. Finally, there will be a traditional Ethiopian dinner with music and a dance performance. End of the trip and departure depending on flight times. (F,M,A)

Cycle route 20 km, 3200 m elevation gain, level of difficulty: moderate

Travel time by bus 4.5-5 h, 230 km